Don't let ticks and mosquitoes keep you indoors

We have received lots of phone calls recently about how to get rid of ticks.

There are three kinds of ticks; they are found around homes and in tall grassy areas.

American dog tick: A dark-brown tick that can be identified by the silver streaks on its back. The American dog tick is the species that can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Lone star tick: A red-brown tick that is slightly smaller than the American dog tick.

Brown dog tick: Dark red-brown, but smaller and without any light-colored markings on the back. This tick is known to attack dogs and other animals, but rarely humans. It is usually found inside buildings where dogs live.

When entering vacant fields and other grassy areas, check for ticks about every 30 to 40 minutes to make sure you find any ticks before they have the chance to attach to your body. Special attention should be given to hairy parts of the body.

When you are out in an area where ticks might be present, wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants tucked into your socks. If possible, have someone else check for ticks on your body in areas where you can't see, such as your back and top of your head.

The only effective way to remove a tick that is attached to the body is with a pair of tweezers. Grasp the head of the tick as close to the skin as possible. Apply firm, steady pressure to remove the embedded mouth part. Be sure to inform your doctor of any tick bites.

The other summer pest that can cause problems when you are outdoors. is the mosquito.

Here are some things you can do to help cut down on the numbers of mosquitoes around your home:

-- Clean gutters to get rid of leaves and other debris that may cause water to stand.

-- Do not allow water to remain in the bases of flower pots for more than three to four days.

-- Change water in bird baths at least twice a week.

-- Reduce vegetation around your house.

-- Use mosquito repellent.

Email questions to bleigh1 @utk.edu. Include your name and where you live. For more information, call the Tipton County Extension office at (901) 476-0231 or the Shelby County Extension office at (901) 752-1207. Booker T. Leigh is the Tipton County extension director.